I had opened the package, reached in to pull out my ordered book and was, naturally, greeted with an abundance of catalogs, postcards inviting me to this or that and a short invoice. Normally all but my ordered materials goes straight into the trash without a second thought. For some reason (that’s theologese for God purposed) I flipped through the catalog promoting various books on everything from commentaries to family issues. My eyes fell to the right side of the page where a book cover featured a little boy swinging on a rope swing with a very big grin. Now, perhaps it’s because that little boy appeared to be the same age as my youngest, or grinned similarly out from underneath a baseball cap or the rope swing look almost identical to the one I just made for my girl’s treehouse – whatever the reason…I stopped to read the description of Autism’s Hidden Blessings.
Our church is blessed with children who have autism. God in His sovereignty has given them to their families first, and us as a body of believers secondly. We also have had other children with special needs come through our doors. My heart has been burdened for some time to create a ministry for those with special needs in our church; whether they are 2 or 62. When I opened up this book by Kelly Langston, somewhere that ministry started. It may not yet be visible to the congregants, but it is visible in my heart and soul.
I immediately identified with Langston as she spoke of her initial knowledge of autism upon her son’s diagnosis. All she knew about autism was from the movie Rainman – the same for me. As I read through this compelling book, sometimes tearfully I’ll admit, I was encouraged by Kelly’s constant return to Scripture for comfort, guidance and wisdom. Each chapter finishes with God’s promises (Promises for Treasure) for parents and caregivers. Langston provides practical help, spiritual encouragement and introduces the uninformed reader to the world of autism.
I’m taking this book to the parents of children with autism in our church. I desire to get their take on what Langston has to say. My prayer is that it would encourage them as it encouraged me. I also desire to speak with others who have special needs ministries within their church. I would like to know how they started, what resources they use and other helpful advice on undertaking such a task. If you would like to assist me in this quest, please contact me through this site.
Kelly Langston also has a facebook page with information on autism.
Hi there! Thank you for the kind words you posted about Autism’s Hidden Blessings. I am thrilled that your church is supporting families of children with autism. I truly believe this is a mission field, and that parents need to know they have support and love in their walk with their kids.
You asked for contacts to other churches who are doing a great job meeting the needs of such families. We have a local church here, Matthews United Methodist, that does a great job in that area. They offer a summer camp that is not only extremely affordable ($35/week), but also Scripture-based and fun. The teens of that church partner up as buddies with the day camp kids. I think it’s a meanful experience not only for the campers, but it also teaches the teens the love of Christ, too. Here is the link, fyi:
http://www.matthewsumc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=38
Laurie Little runs the program. You can reach her at [ edit ] .
Our community really needs people like you who God is calling to reach out and offer a smile, a hug, even a laugh of two. Thanks so much for your comments, and God bless!